The Alternate Stitch

Big Feet Mean Big Socks
If you have long, big feet (like me), don’t worry – Darn Tough makes socks for you, with sock sizes all the way up to XXL, which fits Men’s shoe sizes 15-17. My name is Mark Hassett, and I am thru hiker and avid adventurer who is always seeking a trail to be explored.
How to Choose the Right Ski and Snowboard Socks
From boots to helmet, by the time you get on the mountain, it could seem like you’re swimming in gear. You might be wondering; do I need ski socks? Or maybe, what are the best ski socks? Let's dive into it. 
Comparing Sock Materials: Merino Wool vs. Wool vs. Synthetics vs. Cotton
At Darn Tough, we consider Merino Wool to be one of the master strains of all sock materials. When it’s spun together with Nylon and Lycra Spandex, it creates a longer lasting sock that strengthens wear zones and holds its fit for days. We're taking a look at how Merino Wool stacks up against other sock materials.
How to Choose Walking Socks: Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Socks for Walking

Walking for exercise has many benefits for the body and the mind and is one of the most convenient activities we can do for our wellbeing. Some good, basic equipment will help ensure you get to focus on your walk and not your feet. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose the right walking socks.

Our Sock Weights: A Complete-ish Guide
Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 17 weight classes in boxing. Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 4 weight classes in Darn Tough socks. When we talk weight, we are referring to the specific yarn in the sock and the relative thickness of that yarn.
Merino Wool's Less-Discussed Benefit: It Makes Fire Resistant Socks

When you consider the benefits of Merino Wool, the fact that it makes great fire resistant socks probably isn’t one that you’ve put much thought into. But if you’re a wildland firefighter or flying with the Air Force, this less-discussed benefit of Merino Wool might rank high on your list.

Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…
Mutual Crush: Developing Work Socks with the Salmon Sisters

I can trace my crush on the Salmon Sisters all the way back to 2018. Needless to say, I was beyond excited when I heard they reached out, and even more excited to work with them on developing a new Darn Tough sock.

Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
Merino Wool has many natural benefits, including thermoregulation, durability, breathability, softness, and an unbelievable ability to manage moisture. Though other moisture wicking materials exist, we’ve found the best moisture wicking socks are made with Merino Wool.
5-ish Reasons to Wear Merino Wool Socks in Summer

As a company dedicated to knitting the absolute best socks out there, it’s probably no surprise Darn Tough views socks as all-season wardrobe essentials - yes, even in summer. Let’s bust the myth that wool is just for winter and consider five reasons why wearing wool socks in summer is awesome.

Blister Prevention 101: Putting Out Those Hot Spots
We’re about to break down the most common reasons behind what causes blisters. And the key ways to make sure that tending to one of these suckers doesn’t become the most memorable part of your next outing.
The Twisted Yarn Story: Doubling Down for the Softest Socks
We like to say we make the most comfortable socks out there. A lot goes into earning that claim, and we’re always pushing to outdo that benchmark. If you’re not familiar with Darn Tough’s Twisted Yarn socks, they’re blazing the trail as our softest socks yet.
Space Dye Is Here to Send Your Style into Orbit
We’ve brought Space Dye to the finest-micron Merino Wool. The result? Totally unique socks that have moisture management, durability, and temperature regulation on lock.
How to Choose the Right Hiking Socks

What makes Darn Tough hiking socks so good? And, with dozens of styles and designs to choose from, how do you pick the right pair for you? In this post, I’ll guide you through how to choose the best socks for your next hike, whether that’s a quick jaunt to your favorite local spot, or a several-thousand-mile-long trek.

Our Sock Heights: A Complete-ish Guide
We have nine heights here at Darn Tough. Six main ones, with a few in-betweeners. Before you say Nine? Nine! That’s too many! We’ve broken down each height so you understand the benefit of each and how and when you should wear it.
Smelly Sock Solutions: Merino Wool Is the Answer
The science is clear. That rank smell is the result our bodies’ natural cooling system being turned against us. Hear us out on this: it’s going to get a little icky before we explain how Merino Wool helps to prevent stinky socks.
Jake Blauvelt on Developing the Backwoods Sock

I thought I knew what it took to make a good snowboard sock, but I had no clue. Luckily all of the designers are amazing and they really helped coach me through what it was going to take to make a great shred sock. I’d say I walked away from the experience feeling grateful that Darn Tough was on my side.

The History of Merino Wool, From Flock to Sock
The Merino Wool story is full of top-notch historical characters and plot twists (steal a sheep and get beheaded on order of the King, oh my!). So we’ll do our best to condense the tale of how we got from wild sheep shredding the hills to our current and future source of naturally warm and moisture-controlling fabric.
5-ish Merino Wool Myths, Debunked
We take Merino Wool’s reputation seriously. Why don’t more people wear wool socks? We think these common Merino Wool myths have something to do with it.
How to Choose the Right Socks for Work
Here’s the deal: you can have the best, most technical work boots or shoes in the world, but your feet are not going to be happy if you are wearing a crappy pair of socks
Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer. Breathable Socks All Year Round.
Here’s how Darn Tough uses the advantages of Merino Wool to make socks that work in all seasons: warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry and breathable all the time. If that sounds like a wild sheep chase, read on to find out more.